Young football stars to grace a venue fit for champions
A team of unbeaten schoolgirl soccer stars from Burton are set to compete on the national stage – at the home of Premier League champions Leicester City.
The Under-11 girls’ football team from St Modwen’s Catholic Primary School earned their place at the Midland Regional Football Finals in Nottingham, representing Staffordshire, having disposed of their opposition in the Burton and then County competitions without conceding a single goal and winning every single match.
Tackling some of the finest young players from all over the Midlands, they won two and drew three matches to finish runners-up in their group, before triumphing 4-2 on penalties in a hard-fought semi-final, having hit the bar in the final minute.
The final was equally tense, ending goalless, but the girls from St Modwen’s kept their cool to win 4-3 on spot-kicks.
They will now test themselves against some of the country’s finest teams at the King Power Stadium on May 22nd in the ESFA Danone National Finals.
David Read, the Tutbury Road school’s PE co-ordinator and Under-11s girls team manager, said: “The girls have been tremendous all year and have been a pleasure to coach.
“Not only do they play brilliant football, but their attitude is exemplary both on and off the pitch. They thoroughly deserve their success and the praise that they are receiving and we are all very much looking forward to the national finals.
“This is without doubt the biggest sporting success in the school’s history.”
Head teacher Miranda Gibbs said: “We are all immensely proud of our girls for their skill, teamwork and for playing an important part in raising the profile of girls’ football in the UK.”
Team captain Isabel Ridley said: “We had an amazing day and the chemistry among the team is one of the reasons that we won.”
Squad: Isabel Ridley, Prabhdeep Kudhail, Erin Whitcombe, Milena Machczynska, Rebeca Swatowska, Carly Belcher, Nicola Pludra, Emily Smith.
For more information contact David Read on 01283 239050 or email dread@st-modwens.staffs.sch.uk